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UK population bigger and greyer

23 August 2019

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, show that the UK's population is 66.4 million people, and that the proportion of people past retirement age continues to grow. Do these changes in the UK matter?

Economics Environment UK population

US loses ‘football field’ worth of nature every 30 seconds

7 August 2019

A new report from the Center for American Progress (CAP) reveals that more than 24 million acres of nature have been lost from the contiguous United States between 2001 and 2017 due to human development; the equivalent of one football field every 30 seconds.

Biodiversity Environment US population

A limit on royal babies? Prince Harry thinks small families are best, public agrees

1 August 2019

Prince Harry’s recent comments on choosing a small family for the sake of the planet caused a welcome swell in media coverage of population issues. According to a survey, the majority of Brits agree with the Duke of Sussex that it is necessary to limit one’s family size for the environment, while newly released data on UK births confirms an ongoing trend towards smaller families.

Environment Families Family planning World population UK population

Despite economic growth, billions won’t have enough fruit and veg by 2050

24 July 2019

A new Lancet study analysing the gap between future fruit and vegetable supply and recommended consumption levels found that even under the most optimistic socioeconomic growth scenarios, there won’t be enough to go around by mid-century.

Development Economics Environment Food & water World population

Going global on World Population Day

17 July 2019

This World Population Day, 11 July 2019, Population Matters went global by running events in three continents. Thanks to our supporters and allies, we had a very successful day in Lagos, Nigeria, London, UK and New York, USA, raising awareness of population issues and pushing them up the international agenda.

Biodiversity Environment Family planning Women's rights World population

Sustainable development needs sustainable population

9 July 2019

On World Population Day 2019, Population Matters is bringing that critical message to London, New York and Lagos

Biodiversity Development Environment Family planning World population

Human population density main driver of nature loss in Africa

4 July 2019

A new study reveals that rapid human population growth is the biggest driver of environmental degradation in African countries, highlighting the urgent need for greater investment in family planning as a pathway to achieving biodiversity and sustainable development targets.

Africa population Biodiversity Development Economics Environment Family planning Women's rights

Mission Earth, not Mars

28 June 2019

Population Matters Director Robin Maynard challenges Elon Musk's claim that we should be worried about population decline, not too many people.

Environment Families World population

Condoms cut carbon - Population Matters at the Mass Climate Lobby

27 June 2019

Decked in giant condom robes, Population Matters and supporters attended the mass lobby for climate and the environment in London yesterday, highlighting the urgent need for smaller families.

Climate Environment Families Family planning UK population Women's rights World population

No water, no life: Population growth and climate change are fuelling the water crisis

21 June 2019

From India to sub-Saharan Africa to Britain, local water shortages are turning into a global water crisis due to population pressure and climate change.

Climate Development Environment Food & water World population

UN report: Small change in family size, big change in future population

13 June 2019

According to new UN data, the world’s population is projected to grow by more than 3 billion people by the end of the century, increasing from the current 7.7 bn to 10.9 bn. As in previous years, the data show that small changes in family size translate into a difference of several billion people by the end of the century – just half a child less per couple would see our population peak well before 2100.

Development Economics Environment World population Women's rights

Trump’s Global Gag Rule is killing people

7 June 2019

A new report reveals the extent of the damage caused by President Trump’s global family planning funding cuts. Vulnerable women and girls around the world are being deprived of vital reproductive healthcare, with devastating consequences.

Development Family planning Women's rights

Are we getting through?

29 May 2019

The profile of population and family size is continuing to grow in the media. That discussion is normalising the choice to have few or no children for environmental reasons, and it's something policymakers can no longer ignore.

Environment World population Women's rights

Small families around the world share their thoughts

15 May 2019

We asked people why they chose to have small families and were overwhelmed by the hundreds of testimonials we received from around the world. Both parents and child-free people shared their views on small family life and how concern about the environment often played a key role in their decisions about how many children to have.

Environment Families Family planning World population

One million species face extinction unless we address population growth

10 May 2019

A major new UN report on the state of the world’s biodiversity states that nature is being destroyed faster than ever before due to population and economic growth. Three-quarters of all land environments and two-thirds of all marine environments have been severely damaged by humans over the past five decades, leading to one million species now threatened with extinction.

Biodiversity Environment World population

Letting the elephant out of the room: Our 2019 Conference

30 April 2019

Population Matters’ 2019 London conference left attendees feeling enlightened and inspired. An expert international panel of speakers from diverse backgrounds provided vital insights on the issues, and the importance of positive action to address human population growth.

Biodiversity Environment Women's rights World population

State of the World Population: Women and girls left behind

18 April 2019

The latest UNFPA State of the World Population report highlights widespread and persistent gender inequality, with hundreds of millions of women around the world still unable to control how many children they have.

Development Family planning World population Women's rights

Human population growth squeezing out Serengeti wildlife, study shows

12 April 2019

A new study reveals that rapid human population growth along the edge of the iconic Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is forcing wildlife to retreat to its core areas and endangering its ability to sustain life.

Africa population Biodiversity Environment

Population growth slows progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, says UN

5 April 2019

The world is not on track to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals because efforts to implement them have not kept pace with rapid human population growth, according to the United Nations.

Biodiversity Development Environment Family planning World population Women's rights

UK nature under assault: failed biodiversity targets and water stress

27 March 2019

The United Kingdom is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, yet the onslaught on our natural environment is showing no signs of slowing. Two key new reports demonstrate that UK wildlife and freshwater sources face a dire future unless urgent action is taken to protect them.

Biodiversity Climate Environment UK population